The inset photograph of Fr. Louis Deydier is a little confusing. He was Principal of St Michael's College in Hitchin, Hertfordshire from 1925 - 1932 and was transferred to Brockley after that date and would have been considerably older whilst serving in Brockley. He died in France in 1953. (Source: St Michael's College.)

The Roman Catholic community in Deptford in the mid-19th century consisted mainly of migrants from Ireland and their descendants.

With time and increasing prosperity many moved out to suburbs such as Brockley, and built new churches.

St.Mary Magdalen's in Howson Road was built in 1899.